A BRAND new children’s play centre has opened its doors in Warwickshire this month – bringing 12 new jobs to the region.

The Play Farm is a new activity centre in Leamington which features a state-of-the-art play structure and facilities for parents.

Bosses have carried out a month of intensive reconstruction work at the venue in Berrington Road – which previously housed a business known as “Wacky Wood” on the Sydenham Industrial Estate.

The run-down building has been transformed into a 6,500 sq ft play centre with a new cafe and kitchen area.

As the business grows, managers are eager to recruit more staff. Although some of the 12 positions have been filled – several jobs are still available ranging from chefs to party hosts.

The company is looking for friendly, outgoing and conscientious staff who enjoy working around children. Duties will include working on reception, serving customers, party supervising and other adhoc and catering duties.

Ideally, applicants should have strong customer service and communication skills and be able to maintain a clean and safe environment.

The Play Farm is the brainchild of Michael Corbett, who after retiring last year as head of a global services organisation, turned his attention to investing in a business that he and his family could own and operate.

Largely through the experience of his daughter Hannah, as a young mother who previously worked in the leisure and hospitality industry, they identified a gap in the market for quality children’s activity centres aimed at youngsters from toddlers to 12 years old.

Tom Corbett, who also runs the centre, said: “The Play Farm at Leamington is not only a state-of-the-art activity centre for children which exceeds industry standards, but also represents a boost to the local community, providing up to 12 brand new jobs at busy times.”

Michael Corbett added: “We are passionate about satisfying our customers of all ages and supporting the government’s initiative that exercise through play is both healthy and stimulating.

“We are due to open our second centre in Cheltenham in April and we are seeking other opportunities to expand. We are also in discussions to take the concept to an international level.”

The project has been created with support and guidance from Natwest, Lombard and from House of Play – who have redesigned the play structure and party rooms and provided additional Play Farm themed graphics.

Anyone interested in applying for a job at The Play Farm should send their CVs to The Play Farm Leamington, 5 Berrington Road, Sydenham Industrial Estate, Leamington.